willpower
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willpower
The ability to control one's own will and impulses in order to achieve a set goal, even against resistance or temptations. It is the inner strength that helps you stay disciplined.
Es erfordert viel Willenskraft, mit dem Rauchen aufzuhören.
It takes a lot of willpower to quit smoking.
This word consists of 'Wille' (will; in the genitive 'Willens') and 'Kraft' (strength/power). So it literally means 'the strength of the will.' The '-s-' in the middle is a linking element that connects the two parts.
Um ein Ziel zu erreichen, braucht man die Kraft des eigenen Willens, also Willenskraft.
To achieve a goal, you need the strength of your own will, that is, willpower.
'Willenskraft' (willpower) is often combined with verbs such as 'haben' (to have), 'besitzen' (to possess), 'brauchen' (to need), 'aufbringen' (to muster), or 'beweisen' (to prove/show). Typical adjectives are 'stark' (strong), 'groß' (great), or 'enorm' (enormous).
Sie hat eine unglaubliche Willenskraft bewiesen, als sie für den Marathon trainierte.
She showed incredible willpower when she trained for the marathon.
An infinitive construction with 'zu' (to) is often used to describe what the willpower is needed for. The pattern is: 'die Willenskraft haben/brauchen, um etwas zu tun' (to have/need the willpower to do something).
Er hatte nicht die Willenskraft, die Diät durchzuhalten.
He didn't have the willpower to stick to the diet.
strength / force
'die Kraft' and 'die Willenskraft' can both mean inner strength. However, 'Kraft' is broader and can generally help someone endure a difficult situation. 'Willenskraft' specifically means the ability to control yourself and stay disciplined in pursuing a goal. The words can be confused because both have to do with strength. When someone keeps going despite grief or stress, 'Kraft' often fits. When someone resists temptations or pursues a goal, 'Willenskraft' is more precise.
Beim Frühstück zeigt sie Willenskraft und isst keinen Kuchen, weil sie gesünder leben will.
At breakfast, she shows willpower and does not eat any cake because she wants to live more healthily.
Die Eltern finden heute die Kraft, mit der Lehrerin über das Problem zu sprechen.
Today the parents find the strength to talk with the teacher about the problem.